COVID-19 Pandemic Vulnerability Index (PVI)
NIEHS works other federal agencies and research partners to learn more about SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, and assists with the pandemic response. Here is a collection of news articles and other materials to keep you informed about NIEHS activities and discoveries.
COVID-19 Vaccine
Answers for Concerns & Questions - Dr. Darryl Zeldin NIH/NIEHS Scientific Director – February 1, 2021
- Environmental Factor Articles
- Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers
- Global Environmental Health
- Join a Study
- Lesson Plans
- Partnerships for Environmental Public Health
- Press Releases
- Research Ethics Timeline
- Superfund Research Program
- Superfund Research Program Science Digest
- Womens's Health Awareness
- Worker Training Program
Environmental Factor Articles
July 2022
Antiviral membranes boost masks’ ability to stop COVID – July 2022
Funded by NIEHS and the National Science Foundation, the new membranes capture and deactivate SARS-CoV-2 on contact, preventing the spread of COVID-19.
June 2022
Understanding RNA structure could reveal how viruses interact in cells – June 2022
New methods for studying viruses and how they function were described by Eric Miska, Ph.D., during his May 10 NIEHS Distinguished Lecture.
Researchers identify risk factors for disease flares after COVID-19 vaccination – June 2022
Flares are infrequently reported after COVID-19 vaccination in patients with systemic rheumatic disease (SRD), according to NIEHS researchers and their collaborators.
Webinar explores sailors’ mental health during COVID, how pollutants can affect the microbiome – June 2022
Event showcased work of early-career scientists affiliated with NIEHS Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers.
May 2022
Empowering women, improving health: NIEHS conference a resounding success – May 2022
Annual Women’s Health Awareness event addressed environmental health disparities and promoted health access, resiliency.
Scientific moonshot: Now is the time to sequence RNA, expert says – May 2022
Vivian Cheung, M.D., spoke with me about how such an undertaking will expand knowledge of disease and advance therapeutics.
NIH Statement on World Asthma Day 2022: Toward improved asthma care – May 2022
On May 3, the National Institutes of Health reaffirmed its commitment to research aimed at understanding, preventing, and treating asthma.
Earth Day events highlight planning ahead for environmental health – May 2022
Aubrey Miller receives award at University of Kentucky Earth Day event; Environmental Awareness and Advisory Committee hosts two seminars.
April 2022
Falk Memorial Lecture focuses on how inflammation ends – April 2022
Charles Serhan described the biological mechanisms that are key to stopping runaway inflammation, which is linked to many diseases.
Language justice boosts worker safety, empowers people, experts say – April 2022
The NIEHS Worker Training Program has adopted a multilingual approach to advance communities’ environmental, occupational health.
2022 NIEHS Spirit Lecture honoree recognized for diversity efforts – April 2022
Marie A. Bernard, M.D., discussed the science behind scientific workforce diversity during her March 2 virtual lecture.
March 2022
Educational tool highlights COVID-19 and arsenic research – March 2022
NIEHS-funded researchers teamed up with high school teachers to create a digital resource that encourages students to think like scientists.
Purifying SARS-CoV-2 proteins may produce targeted therapies – March 2022
NIEHS researchers have developed a simple protocol to produce pure and high quantities of two proteins required for the replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
January 2022
2021 Papers of the Year – January 2022
Of 3,942 publications by NIEHS researchers and grantees in 2021, institute leaders selected 35 as Papers of the Year.
Hazards of Disaster Cleanup, Support for Workers Focus of NIEHS Talk – January 2022
A consortium funded by the institute’s Worker Training Program helps crews stay safe in the aftermath of climate-related emergencies.
Wastewater-based Epidemiology Comes of Age During Pandemic – January 2022
Wastewater sampling provides noninvasive, cost-effective tool for tracking disease prevalence and spread, say experts at NIEHS event.
November 2021
Artist Uses Tribal Symbolism, Traditions to Communicate Science – November 2021
Artist Mallery Quetawki and NIEHS Superfund Research Program (SRP) scientists are turning complex environmental health concepts into meaningful images for Native American communities.
Outstanding Achievement, Effort by NIEHS Staff Honored During Ceremony – November 2021
Scientific accomplishments, staff dedication, and perseverance during COVID-19 pandemic celebrated at institute’s annual event.
October 2021
Coping With Grief and Loss During COVID-19 Focus of Webinar – October 2021
The NIEHS Women’s Health Awareness program hosted the September 9 event, which featured insights from grief expert Alesia Alexander.
SARS-CoV-2 Nonstructural Proteins a Target for Antiviral Measures – October 2021
NIEHS scientists determined that the SARS-CoV-2 nonstructural protein 15 (Nsp15) relies on recognition of the nucleoside uridine to cleave viral RNA and evade detection by the host immune system.
Whole Person Health, COVID-19 Research Hot Topics at Council Meeting – October 2021
Whole person health, innovative COVID-19 research, and efforts to enhance diversity both in study populations and the scientific workforce were some of the topics discussed during the September 13 meeting of the National Advisory Environmental Health Sciences Council (NAEHSC).
Wildfire Smoke Linked to Increase in COVID-19 Cases and Deaths – October 2021
Thousands of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the western U.S. may be attributable to increases in fine particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5) from wildfires, according to NIEHS-funded research.
July 2021
New Insights Into How COVID-19 May Damage the Heart – July 2021
A new study by NIEHS-funded researchers provides insight into how SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, damages heart cells. The findings may inform treatment strategies to protect heart health in COVID-19 patients.
Environment Plays Underappreciated Role in Infectious Diseases – July 2021
National Academies workshop explored how emerging scientific tools could help to inform crises beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
June 2021
NIH Disaster Research Response Program Launches New Website – June 2021
NIEHS is providing a new home for the Disaster Research Response (DR2) program and its vast collection of web-based resources needed for scientists to conduct vital and timely public health research in the aftermath of disasters.
Sharon Beard Recognized by American Industrial Hygiene Association – June 2021
Sharon Beard, Acting Chief of the NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) has received the 2021 Rachel Carson Award from the American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA).
New Marker of COVID-19 Severity Points to Potential Therapies – June 2021
Certain fatty acids in the blood of COVID-19 patients may predict the severity of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and offer a target for treatment, according to a new NIEHS-funded study.
May 2021
New NIH Funding Advances COVID-19 Testing – May 2021
Four new Funding Opportunity Announcements (FOAs), issued April 13, will move a program called RADx(SM) Underserved Populations (RADx[SM]-UP) rapidly into its next phase.
COVID-19 Resilience and Recovery for Workers, Communities – May 2021
In April, NIEHS Worker Training Program (WTP) awardees began work on COVID-19 recovery centers to promote health, safety, and recovery training for essential workers and their communities.
Scholars Find New Ways to Research Amidst a Global Pandemic – May 2021
Members of the 2020-2021 NIEHS Scholars Connect Program (NSCP) presented their research at the April 16 Spring Symposium.
Biomarker Suggests Severity of COVID-19 Respiratory Distress – May 2021
In a study funded in part by NIEHS, researchers reported April 1 that certain fatty acids in the blood of COVID-19 patients may predict the severity of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
NIEHS Earns WELL Building Rating, First Among Feds – May 2021
On March 30, NIEHS became the first U.S. federal agency to achieve the International WELL Building Institute’s (IWBI) Health-Safety Rating.
April 2021
Freezer donations add COVID-19 vaccine storage capacity in North Carolina – April 1, 2021
On March 16, NIEHS shipped 11 ultracold laboratory-grade freezers to the North Carolina (NC) Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), thanks to a grassroots project from within the institute's Office of Management.
March 2021
Organs-on-a-chip for COVID-19 Research Group Led by NTP Center – March 1, 2021
Federal agencies collaborate on microphysiological systems to accelerate development of new treatments.
Fighting Misinformation, Preventing Workplace COVID-19 Exposure – March 1, 2021
The NIEHS Worker Training Program’s monthly COVID-19−focused webinars aim to protect workers who may be at risk of exposure.
A Tool for Visualizing County-level COVID-19 Risk Factors – March 1, 2021
The COVID-19 Pandemic Vulnerability Index (PVI) Dashboard, created by NIEHS researchers and collaborators at North Carolina State University and Texas A & M University, addresses knowledge gaps in pandemic risk at the county level.
February 2021
Pandemic Vulnerability Tool Provides County-level Snapshots – February 1, 2021
Visualizations of 12 risk factors support localized public health interventions to stem the pandemic’s spread.
COVID-19 Testing Staff Greeted With Tasty Thanks – February 1, 2021
In a grassroots effort, Division of the National Toxicology Program volunteers surprised testers with an edible expression of gratitude.
January 2021
Global Health in the COVID-19 Era Explored at Local Conference – January 1, 2021
Health system preparedness, equity of access, culture, and misinformation challenges dominate discussions.
COVID-19 Impacts on Children With Special Needs, Their Families – January 1, 2021
Diversity Speaker Series features NIEHS parents sharing how young people with disabilities and their families are dealing with the crisis.
November 2020
Climate Change, COVID-19 a Double Whammy for Vulnerable Populations – November 1, 2020
Extreme weather can worsen health problems for poor communities and minority groups battling COVID-19, said experts at NIEHS event.
October 2020
Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Likely, Say Experts – October 1, 2020
National Academies workshop brings clarity to a key question underpinning the global pandemic’s spread.
COVID-19 Research Funding Targets Role of Genes, Environment – October 1, 2020
NIEHS and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases seek to understand why ome people are more vulnerable to the disease.
NIEHS Pandemic Vulnerability Tool a Hit in Wake County School – October 1, 2020
New lesson plans enhance students’ critical thinking skills by encouraging them to assess various COVID-19 risk factors.
SARS-CoV-2 Blocked by Newly Discovered Nanobodies — From a Llama – October 1, 2020
Antibody fragments that blocked the novel coronavirus from entering human cells show promise for treating COVID-19, yet need more study.
Computational Modeling Identifies Drug Candidates for SARS-CoV-2 – October 1, 2020
Scientists from the Division of the National Toxicology Program and their collaborators used computational modeling to probe databases and identify existing drugs that could be repurposed to fight SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
COVID-19 Safety Plan Brought All Hands on Deck at NIEHS – October 1, 2020
Behind-the-scenes efforts ensured employees can return safely to work and have resulted in zero on-site transmissions.
September 2020
Sleep Well During the Pandemic – September 1, 2021
Jackson shared practical tips for getting adequate, restful sleep during the pandemic on the NIH #CopingWithCOVID19 livestream series.
Pandemic Preparedness Requires Weather, Health Data, Experts Say – September 1, 2020
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration scientists discussed how to bolster infectious disease modeling during an NIEHS webinar.
NIEHS Supports Workers With Essential COVID-19 Training – September 1, 2020
Health care professionals and vulnerable populations benefit from targeted education.
Virtual COVID-19 Education Reaches U.S. and International Students – September 1, 2020
An NIEHS grant recipient started a new teaching series at Johns Hopkins University that helps youth protect themselves and others.
August 2020
COVID-19 Antibody Study Launched by NIEHS – August 1, 2020
Year-long research project seeks much-needed information about antibodies from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
COVID-19 Testing Technologies Boosted by New Funding – August 1, 2020
NIH supports diagnostic test research, including $1 million to NIEHS scientists Oswaldo Lozoya and Douglas Bell.
NIEHS Biomedical Career Symposium Attracts National Audience – August 1, 2020
Early-career scientists gained insight from leaders in industry, government, and academia during the virtual event.
NIEHS Employees Unite to Support Food Drive – August 1, 2020
Annual food drive goes virtual, meeting needs greater than ever, during coronavirus pandemic.
Teachers Take Virtual Tour of NIEHS, Brainstorm COVID-19 Lesson Plans – August 1, 2020
The institute hosted 55 educators from Wake County, North Carolina, as part of the annual SummerSTEM program.
May 2020
COVID-19 Research Grants Get Rapid NIEHS Funding – May 1, 2020
New opportunities for scientists to study how the environment may affect health outcomes related to the disease.
NIEHS Scientists Join the Fight Against COVID-19 – May 1, 2020
Across the institute, researchers are lending their expertise to the fight against the novel coronavirus.
COVID-19 Researchers Gain Quick Access to Surveys, Protocols – May 1, 2020
Ready access to survey questionnaires, study protocols, and other resources makes for quick study launch and more consistent data.
April 2020
NIEHS Cryo-EM Resources Support Fight Against Novel Coronavirus – April 1, 2020
NIEHS research on the virus aims to reveal structures suitable for targeted development of potential vaccines and treatments.
Protecting Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak – April 1, 2020
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the NIEHS Worker Training Program showcased strategies to protect frontline workers, during a virtual workshop.
Environmental Health Sciences Core Centers
Wastewater-based Epidemiology Comes of Age During Pandemic – January 1, 2022
Environmental Health Sciences Core Center researchers stood out at a December 2021 webinar focused on wastewater-based epidemiology.
Wastewater and COVID-19 – July 13, 2021
As COVID-19 spreads, multiple NIEHS-supported researchers have been tracking and mitigating infections using wastewater-based epidemiology. NIEHS-funded researchers are using this methodology to trace and reduce COVID-19 exposures on campuses, nursing homes, and rural areas.
Global Environmental Health
COVID-19 Recovery Plans Should Put Children First, Experts Say – August 1, 2020
A new commentary from the World Health Organization (WHO)-UNICEF-Lancet Commission highlights the impacts of COVID-19 on children and calls for putting children at the center of recovery plans.
Join a Study
Vaccine Confidence: A Call to Action to Create Change in Communities of Color – July 1, 2021
If you are a Black/African American woman or man aged 18 and older and living in North Carolina, we want to hear from you. Please join an important study on community concerns and/or acceptance and beliefs about vaccines and immunizations.
Lesson Plans
COVID-19 PVI Lessons Plans – October 6, 2020
Examining Risk Factors Associated With COVID-19 Using the Pandemic Vulnerability Index.
Partnerships for Environmental Public Health
New Story Map Shows COVID-19 Disparities Along Racial and Ethnic Lines – September 1, 2020
A new interactive story map developed by NIEHS-funded researchers sheds light on how certain Los Angeles communities are faring in the COVID-19 pandemic.
Press Releases
NIEHS Earns WELL Building Rating Amid Pandemic – April 12, 2021
On March 30, 2021, the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) became the first federal agency to achieve the International WELL Building Institute’s Health-Safety Rating.
Workplace Chemical Exposure Study Leads to Small Business COVID-19 Awareness Campaign – February 16, 2021
Small business owners can take advantage of one-on-one training in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, thanks to a project led by researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences in collaboration with the Sonora Environmental Resources Institute (SERI) and El Rio Health.
NIH to Support Radical Approaches to Nationwide COVID-19 Testing and Surveillance – December 21, 2020
RADx-rad program will fund non-traditional and repurposed technologies to combat the current pandemic and address future viral disease outbreaks.
COVID-19 Workers Get Training to Protect Their Own Health – March 23, 2020
NIEHS Worker Training Program is creating a COVID-19 virtual safety training initiative for frontline responders including emergency medical personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, environmental cleanup workers, high-risk custodial service workers, food processing and delivery workers, water and sewage treatment workers, sanitation workers, and health care facility employees.
Research Ethics Timeline
2020
During the COVID-19 pandemic, which killed millions of people around the world, scientists worked feverishly to conduct research that could help combat this public health crisis. To make data and results available as quickly as possible, many journals expedited their peer review process for COVID-19 submissions and scientists published articles on pre-print servers before undergoing peer review.
Superfund Research Program
Special COVID-19 Supplements and Activities – December 9, 2020
In response to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, SRP provided supplemental funding to Centers to expand upon the foundation established under their existing SRP grants to meet immediate needs to address the public health crisis.
Superfund Research Program Science Digest
Director's Letter – June 1, 2020
The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has created uncertainty and strained our communities, businesses, and workplaces.
Womens's Health Awareness
Know the Facts: COVID-19 Vaccines
If you are a Black/African American woman or man aged 18 and older and living in North Carolina, we want to hear from you. Please join an important study on community concerns and/or acceptance and beliefs about vaccines and immunizations.
Worker Training Program
WTP MUSTID
The Material Upload and Search Tool for Infectious Disease (MUSTID) is a searchable portal that provides easy access to resources on infectious disease and worker safety shared by and relevant to WTP and others interested in worker safety and health. It is now available to the general public.
COVID-19
COVID-19, Social Vulnerability, and Environmental Injustice – March 2, 2021
Addressing COVID Challenges With Community Partners – February 25, 2021
Mental Health Impacts of COVID-19 Response – February 4, 2021
Routes of Transmission and Exposure Mitigation – January 13, 2021
Communication Concepts to Managing Perceptions, Stigma and Stress Mental Health and Emotional Resiliency for Workers and Communities – March 17, 2020
Protecting Infectious Disease Responders During the COVID-19 Outbreak – March 17, 2020
to Top